EYELID MYOKYMIA – IS IT A WARNING SIGN?

Abstract

Background: Orbicularis myokymia frequently occurs in young, otherwise healthy individuals. The intermittent muscle fasciculations are transient and generally disappear with time. Aims and tasks: to synthetise and analyse the causes, significance and treatment of eyelid myokymia Methods: a literature review; Data was collected from Pubmed, Scopus, Google Scholar, free search. Results: Eyelid myokymia, unlike myokymia of other facial muscles, is assumed to be a benign, selflimited disorder. It is associated with fatigue, anxiety, stress, exercise, physical exertion, cold weather, excessive use of caffeine, energy drinks, smoking, alcohol, female gender, and reduced sleep. Some authors reported it as a side effect of Topiramate. When it is chronic it might be considered as a separate disease entity of the facial nerve. In rare cases, the eyelid myokymia gradually spreads over several months to affect additional muscles on one or both sides of the face, producing benign essential blepharospasm, Meige syndrome, hemifacial spasm, or, rarely, spastic-paretic facial contracture. Rarely it might be the first sign of brainstem lesions like tumor or multiple sclerosis. Conclusion: If the myokymia is persistent or progressive, neurologic assessment and investigation may be necessary. Change of lifestyle is advised before invasive treatment. Botulinum toxin is the treatment of choice for chronic eyelid twitching.

Keywords

• eyelid twitching
• myokymia
• benign
• brainstem lesion